Read Becoming His: The Teaching of Rebecca for Free Online

people lived this way every single day and accepted their lives without question.  She had discovered that every servant was truly grateful to be employed.  She had learned that the servants would accept a paddling, caning and even a birching in lieu of leaving their position.  She wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all but didn’t speak.  She had no power, no authority.  She was no longer a girl of privilege, she was nothing but a common servant.  She had far more respect for the humble people she worked with than those simpering, spoiled young women above stairs.  She saw Mrs. Williams look at her and Rebecca turned back to her work knowing she could do nothing else.
    Remembering that scene, she looked up at Miss Lambert, her eyes widening at the very real threat.
    “Please no ma’am.  I was returning the chamber pot for Miss Angela ma’am.  I…I was going back to the kitchen to help prepare lunch.  I didn’t mean to bump into you ma’am.” 
    Edna finally smiled, glad to both see and hear true fear in this uppity young woman.  “How are you enjoying being a chambermaid Rebecca?” she asked. “Is it more to your liking than doing your studies?” 
    Rebecca blushed knowing the woman was trying to humiliate her further.  She looked down and replied, “I try to do the best I can ma’am.” 
    Edna was furious.  She was well aware that Rebecca was a good worker and it galled her to no end.  She had been looking forward to punishing this girl for months but all reports had been full of how respectful and how hard the former student worked.  She grabbed Rebecca’s arm.  “I didn’t ask if you were doing well,” she hissed. “I asked if you liked it!” 
    Rebecca took a deep breath thinking it was probably the most stupid question she’d ever been asked.  She dug her fingernails into the palms of her clenched hands and forced herself to answer.  “No ma’am. I don’t really enjoy it.” 
    Edna nodded as if glad and Rebecca knew she was.  “Well, before you return to the kitchen, you may follow me.  I find the need for relief and, since you are here, there isn’t any need for me to go all the way to the privy.  You might as well clean the pot and return it.” 
    Rebecca was infuriated but simply nodded. She was well aware that you were expected to visit the privies during the day if you had a need.  The chamber pots were to be used only during the night.  She also knew this horrid woman was just trying to catch Rebecca being disobedient so she would have an excuse to punish her.  She followed Miss Lambert back upstairs and waited outside the staff’s water closet.  Once Miss Lambert reappeared, she stepped inside.  She almost gagged at the stench.  She forced herself to replace the lid on the reeking pot that she knew had been left uncovered on purpose.  She picked it up carefully and stepped from the room.  As she turned to carry it down the stairs, she heard, “Oh, I think I might have missed just a tiny bit.  Make sure you scrub the floor as well.”
    “Yes ma’am,” Rebecca replied her jaw clenched.  By the time she was done, she was very late to the kitchen.  She explained to Mrs. Williams what had happened but wasn’t surprised when she was bent over the large counter and her bottom slapped a dozen times with a heavy wooden paddle.  She had seen several of her coworkers standing about and knew that they were all being reminded of their duties.  Rebecca rose from the table, rubbed her bottom and said, “Thank you for disciplining me Mrs. Williams.  I won’t be late again.” 
    Mrs. Williams was proud of the young woman.  She was a very hard worker and had only been reprimanded a few times.  She knew it wasn’t truly her fault she had been late but also knew she had to show her charges that responsibilities were taken seriously.  Besides, what were a few quick pops on one’s bottom?  She hadn’t even lifted the girls dress.  Rebecca returned to